Decreased visual performance resulting from temporal uncertainty, target movement, and background movement

Abstract

Temporal uncertainty, target movement, and background movement degrade contrast sensitivity, grating acuity, and reaction time. The results are interpreted on the basis of fixational instability, processing efficiency, and alertness. Alternative explanations based on masking are also considered. The variables used in this study may be predictive of performance outside the laboratory, inasmuch as they simulate conditions frequently associated with demanding visual tasks encountered in nonlaboratory environments. © 1988 Psychonomic Society, Inc.